Reclaimed
The fort sits high
with a view
of the sky
among brambles
and briar
and if you sit
very close
and stay
very quiet
you can hear
the shuffle
of movement
and
playful laughter
from inside
The Happy Place
Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Take It Easy” card from The Az 2 Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from guidance that came with that card.
That guidance says, “You know what you’re doing babes, take it easy on you.”
• • • ◈ • 🌾 • ◈ • • •
The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 4th : Stillness
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Nine of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of themes that have to do with contentment, accomplishment, and satisfaction in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.
One of the things I find particularly appealing about meditation and mindfulness is that you can take it with you anywhere. You can quite literally do it everywhere.
This means that the potential to find some kind of peace and contentment is possible anywhere and in any situation. This is why combat soldiers are taught box breathing. This is how snipers stay so calm and focused. This is how free divers are able to be so effective with their breath control.
Yes. A cushy mat and some silence is an absolutely delightful way to practice. We practice in the spaces, though, so that we can then bring the skills learned there with us to be utilized in the busy and chaotic world where they can do the most good.
The message for today is that any place has the potential to be our happy place. If we learn how to bring that inner stillness and peace with us, we can bring our happy place with us wherever we go.
DECK USED: THE UNOFFICIAL SHEL SILVERSTEIN TAROT AND THE AZ 2 ORACLE
@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 4th and 5th
What can I do to increase my self-confidence?
The World and The Loaf – Don’t worry so much about the end of things and what you’re losing in moving past it. Instead, remember how far you’ve come, and that what you’ve built gives you a sense of security that will last beyond this ending and onto the next beginning. Relax and enjoy the ride, tuck away your defences, and put away your fears concerning what you can’t see and don’t yet know.
What new habit can help me flourish?
The Sun and The Storm – Take comfort in the fact that your current struggles and fears are temporary, and you will get the chance to start climbing toward your goals and aspirations again once everything has settled down. For now, just snuggle in with those things and people that give you comfort and wait out the storm.
Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Aragonite for Truth and Understanding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: THE UNOFFICIAL SHEL SILVERSTEIN TAROT AND KITTEN ORACLE
I bought myself a box of chocolate muffins while at the store today.
Gideon’s Challenge – Fight or Flight
Fight or Flight
It feels like
wanting to
run away
would be
paramount
in the chaos
and yet
instead
hiding
is sounding
so
much
better
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
It’s In the Presentation
Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.
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The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 3rd : Presence
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.
I know a woman who carries herself with elegance and poise. When she walks into a room, people take notice. When she walks into a bar, people stop cursing. At barely 5 foot, she’s not physically imposing. She’s not movie star gorgeous, nor does she dress in a way that would indicate great wealth or power.
What she is? Is a lady, and she is treated with respect wherever she goes. Not because of anything monetary or intimidating, but because she has presence.
It’s in her posture and in her smile, it’s in her eyes and in every step and movement. She’s kind and warm-hearted, approachable and… even “cute” sometimes. Yet no one ever disrespects her.
Today’s message is about our presence, and an encouragement to present yourself as you how you want others to see you; for that is exactly how they are going to see you.
It takes practice and work. It’s about posture and poise, presentation, and determination. Anyone can create the perception of being a lady or a gentleman. Anyone can create the perception of being an easy victim or someone not worth messing with.
What perceptions are you showing the world? How could you possibly change them to your advantage?
DECK USED: TAROT OF THE OLD FOREST
@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompt for September 3rd : What limiting beliefs am I still holding onto?
Reading Summary: You have a tendency to take everything you can upon your own shoulders (Isolation), and that it’s your responsibility to do so so that those around you aren’t inconvenienced (King of Swords). You perceive this as a strength, even though what it actually does is make you weaker (Strength).
Take Away: Being a good leader means letting go of the idea that everything is all on you. A king is not a king without his subjects, a leader is not a leader without others to lead.
Doing stuff alone doesn’t make you stronger, it just wears you down and creates overwhelm. True strength is in finding how to involve others and delegate effectively.
Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Cream Quartz Stone for Amplifying Intentions and Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: TAROT OF THE OLD FOREST AND THE CROW REDUX
I took a nap in the back of the car today when I had the opportunity.
Gideon’s Challenge – Imbalances
Imbalances
Jagged edges
blunted
by intermittent
cheerful moments
until
aggression
and anxiety
blend into
a strangely
cheerful smile
annoyingly bright
as insides
seethe
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Autumn Leaf
Prompt: “Pull (at least) three random cards from your deck and use them share with us the story of an autumn leaf’s great adventure.”
Once upon a summer, there was a lovely oak tree located where the ocean meets land,
And beneath the tree was a soft patch of grass where people came to sit or stand.
[ Nine of Cups ]
On this tree lived many leaves who loved to dance in the breeze,
But one in particular was eager to fly, yet unable to let go with ease.
[ Knight of Wands atop The Devil ]
One day, the weather began to change, becoming colder by the day;
and this little leaf began to change with his neighbors who flew away.
[ Eight of Wands ]
As green turned to gold and they all let go, still this leaf held on,
And soon enough the days grew cold and all of its friends were gone.
[ The Hermit ]
Then one day, it’s stem grew weak enough to finally let go.
The last of its kind to released its grip and flutter out into the falling snow.
[ The Fool ]
Twisting the Leaf 